Heat advisory in effect; Saratoga Race Course taking precautions

Michael Russell, 2 years-old, climbs up the ladder in the Village Pool in Ballston Spa. Temperatures in Saratoga County are in the 90's for most of the week, making it a heat wave.Photo Erica Miller 7/16/13 news_SwimBspa2_Wed

Ryan Encarnacion jumps off the diving board into the Village Pool in Ballston Spa. Temperatures in Saratoga County are in the 90's for most of the week, making it a heat wave.Photo Erica Miller 7/16/13 news_SwimBspa4_Wed

SARATOGA COUNTY -- The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for much of the region effective 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday afternoon when the heat index is expected to hover around 100 degrees.

The heat index takes into account both the temperature and the humidity.

Temperatures Thursday are expected to be in the lower to mid-90s and the dew point, an indicator of humidity, will be around 70 for both Thursday and Friday, making for uncomfortable conditions.

The National Weather Service urges people to take precautions, like not going outdoor for long periods of time and avoiding strenuous activities during the afternoon hours.

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Friday is expected to be even hotter, with temperatures to the mid to upper-90s, which prompted racing officials at Saratoga Race Course to take some precautions ahead of Opening Day Friday.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Neil Stuart said it is above average for this time of year, "but typically, we do get some days being above normal. It's summer, after all."

The National Weather Service doesn't have data for Saratoga Springs, specifically, but Stuart said the entire region experiences about the same levels of heat and humidity.

New York Racing Association officials are taking additional precautions to ensure horses and humans remain comfortable during the Opening-Day race card at Saratoga Race Course.

The precautions include:

-- Multiple veterinarians will be positioned throughout the horse paths, paddock, winner's circle and racetrack to carefully monitor all horses before and after each race.

-- Extra water hoses will be operated at various junctures during the horses' travel to and from the racetrack, including at the paddock and winner's circle where horses unsaddle after a race.

-- Personnel with buckets of ice will be positioned similarly around the racing facility where horses pass by.

-- Additional water will be provided to the jockeys' quarters to ensure they remain well-hydrated.

-- Five-pound bags of ice will be available to patrons for purchase at selected concession outlets.

"While we have every intention of running tomorrow as scheduled, we will, of course, stay in close contact with veterinarians, horsemen, riders, and state regulators tomorrow morning and throughout the day," NYRA President and CEO Christopher Kay said Thursday. "The NYRA staff is accustomed to and adept at dealing with hot weather days at Saratoga. We anticipate a normal day of racing here tomorrow."

Stuart said a cold-front is expected to move through the region Saturday that will draw the temperatures down to the lower 80s and help to clear out some of the humidity.